Italy vs China prediction & best bets, Women’s World Cup preview

TWO evenly matched teams at the Women’s World Cup — Italy and China — will square off in the round of 16 on Tuesday at Montpellier.

The strong form of Italy to make the round of 16 lives up to their 15th-placed ranking heading into the tournament, bettered only by China who started the World Cup ranked one place lower.

Italy had not made a knockout stage of the World Cup since they made a quarter-final at the inaugural tournament in 1991. Le Azzure finished with a 2-0-1 record after the group stage.

GUIDE: FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Sites

China finished the group stage with a 1-1-1 record despite scoring only one goal, a lack of attacking spark which could prove to be an Achilles heel in this one.

Italy has been installed $2.0 favourite, while China is considered a $3.10 outsider, while a draw in regulation time is paying $2.20.

The winner of China vs Italy will play the winner of the Netherlands-Japan game, which is also due to be played on Tuesday, before a potential semi-final against Germany or Sweden.

Best bets: Italy vs China

We present our best bets for the Italy vs China Women’s World Cup round of 16.

Over/under betting tips

The over/under mark has been set at two goals for this contest, and we think we can take advantage of this. Look at it this way, Italy outscored Jamaica and Australia 7-1 combined. China has had a tough draw and only scored one goal for the tournament, but they did have some golden opportunities in their last match against Germany and may find the going easier against the Azzure. We are predicting three goals in this one, so take the overs bet.

Yang Li to score anytime

Yang Li has failed to really connect with her midfield and convert so far this Ladies World Cup, and what better time to do it than in a round of 16 clash for your country. Li is around the $4.00 mark to score anytime, which is some great value for the Steel Roses’ target woman. Note, do not confuse Li Ying with our best bet here, we’re 100% behind Yang Li.

China vs Italy prediction

Italy might have been the more impressive at this Ladies World Cup so far, but there is definitely a case for the China team here, who have proven themselves to be extremely apt defensively. On the offensive side of things they have run into some great teams, including the Germans who beat them easily, but the going will be easier against Italy. We think the odds on offer for a China victory in a match we are predicting will be a see-sawing contest are too good to pass up.

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